If you’re spending more than three days in Istanbul, don’t miss out on exploring the Asian side of the city. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from the trendy district of Moda with its lively atmosphere, to Yeldeğirmeni in Kadıköy with its vibrant street art and local vibe. In Uskudar, you can visit five historic mosques, while Kuzguncuk’s charming streets offer a glimpse into traditional Istanbul life.

Starting Points to Go on the Asian Side

The best way to reach the Asian side depends on where you’re starting from. Here are three common starting points and their corresponding options:

• Old City (Sultanahmet)
• Taksim/Galata
• Beşiktaş

Each location has different transport options to get you across the Bosphorus to the Asian side.

Where to Go on the Asian Side

Moda and Yeldeğirmeni (Kadıköy)

Moda: A trendy, laid-back neighborhood with seaside views, cozy cafes, and local boutiques. Moda is also home to a vibrant street filled with shops, coffee spots, and bars. The nostalgic Moda Tram circles the neighborhood. Read more >>

Yeldeğirmeni: Just a short walk from Kadıköy pier, Yeldeğirmeni is known for its colorful street art, historic buildings, and creative atmosphere. The area is lively, with galleries, cafes, and vintage shops. You’ll also find cool street art around every corner, along with charming bakeries.

Üsküdar

This district is home to the famous Maiden’s Tower, the waterfront promenade, and historic mosques like Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and Yeni Valide Mosque.

Kuzguncuk

A charming, historic neighborhood known for its multicultural heritage and European-styled streets lined with colorful houses, art galleries, and small gardens. Kuzguncuk offers a cool sea view, along with shops filled with art, books, and cozy cafes. You’ll also find small, homey restaurants and good coffee here.

Don’t miss our transport guide for tourists in Istanbul!

How to Get from From European Side to Kadikoy

How to Get from Sultanahmet (Old City) to Kadıköy (Moda and Yeldeğirmeni)

By Ferry

1. Head to the Eminönü ferry pier, which is close to the Galata Bridge. Look at the display boards for ferries going to Kadıköy.
2. Purchase a ticket or use your Istanbulkart to board the ferry.
3. Once you reach Kadıköy, you’ll arrive at Kadıköy Pier, which is the main terminal on the Asian side.
4. To reach Yeldeğirmeni, walk straight from the pier and turn left towards the neighbourhood. And turn right your walk from the pier through the streets to reach Moda.

By Marmaray

1. Take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet to Sirkeci.
2. From Sirkeci, follow signs to the Marmaray station.
3. Board the Marmaray and get off at Ayrılık Çeşmesi Station.
4. Exit the station, and you’ll find yourself on Ayrılık Çeşmesi Street. This street is where Yeldeğirmeni starts. Walk down the street to explore the neighborhood. You can then continue walking towards Moda via the Bull Statue, which is a popular meeting point in Kadıköy.

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How to Get from Beşiktaş to Kadıköy (Moda and Yeldeğirmeni)

After arriving at Söğütlüçeşme, follow the signs to Kadıköy. You can walk to Yeldeğirmeni first, and then proceed to Moda.

By Ferry

1. Head to the Beşiktaş ferry pier, which is located along the coast, near the main square.
2. Board a ferry to Kadıköy. Make sure to check the ferry schedules displayed at the pier.
3. After arriving at Kadıköy Pier, follow the same directions to reach Yeldeğirmeni and Moda.

By Metrobus (24 Hours)

If you’re in Beşiktaş, first head to either Zincirlikuyu or Mecidiyeköy station by foot or bus, depending on your exact location. From there, take the Metrobus towards Söğütlüçeşme. Once you arrive at Söğütlüçeşme, follow the signs to Kadıköy. You can walk to Yeldeğirmeni first and then continue to Moda.

1. First head to either Zincirlikuyu or Mecidiyeköy station by foot or bus, depending on your exact location.
2. At Zincirlikuyu, transfer to Metrobus heading towards Söğütlüçeşme.
3. After arriving at Söğütlüçeşme, follow the signs to Kadıköy. You can walk to Yeldeğirmeni first, and then proceed to Moda.

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How to Get from Taksim / Galata to Kadıköy (Moda and Yeldeğirmeni)

By Funicular & Ferry

• From Taksim Square, take the F1 funicular down to Kabataş.
• Once at Kabataş, head to the ferry terminal and board a ferry to Kadıköy.
• When you arrive at Kadıköy Pier, follow the same route to Yeldeğirmeni and Moda as mentioned earlier.

If you want to visit Moda from Kabataş, there’s a ferry that heads to Moda Pier approximately every hour on weekdays. On weekends, it runs every three hours. Look for the Karaköy – Kabataş – Moda – Bostancı line. Ticket costs 33,29 TL with IstanbulKart.

Alternative Ferry Route (Karaköy to Kadıköy):

If you prefer, you can take the Tünel from Galata to Karaköy. From Karaköy, catch a ferry to Kadıköy. The ferry terminal is near the Galata Bridge.

If you want to visit Moda on a weekday, there’s a ferry from Karaköy to Moda Pier that runs approximately every hour. Look for the Karaköy – Kabataş – Moda – Bostancı line. Ticket costs 33,29 TL with IstanbulKart.

By Metro & Marmaray

• Take the M2 metro line from Taksim to Yenikapı.
• Transfer to the Marmaray and get off at Ayrılık Çeşmesi Station.
• Walk along Ayrılık Çeşmesi Street to explore Yeldeğirmeni, and then head towards Moda via the Bull Statue.

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How to Get from From European Side to Uskudar

From Üsküdar Pier, you Can Go to Kuzguncuk

• Take a bus from Üsküdar Camii Önü (8 minutes) using one of these bus lines: 15H, 15B, 15C, 15R, or 15S to Kuzguncuk Evleri.
• Or walk for about 15 minutes along the seaside and near the park.

How to Get from Sultanahmet (Old City) to Üsküdar

By Ferry

1. Head to the Eminönü ferry pier, which is close to the Galata Bridge. Look at the display boards for ferries going to Üsküdar.
2. Purchase a ticket or use your Istanbulkart to board the ferry.
3. Once you reach Üsküdar, you’ll arrive at Üsküdar Pier.

By Tram & Marmaray

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How to Get from Taksim / Galata to Üsküdar

By Funicular & Ferry

1. Take the Tünel from Galata to Karaköy. From Karaköy, catch a ferry to Üsküdar. The ferry terminal is near the Galata Bridge.

By Metro & Marmaray

1. Take the M2 metro line from Taksim to Yenikapı.
2. Transfer to the Marmaray and get off at Üsküdar Station.

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How to Get from Beşiktaş to Üsküdar

By Ferry

• Head to the Beşiktaş Dentur Avrasya Ferry Pier, which is located along the coast, near the main square.
• Board a ferry to Üsküdar. Find more info here >>

You will use the Beşiktaş – Üsküdar Line from Dentur Avrasya. Ferries depart every 2 hours.

FAQs

1. Is Istanbul in Europe or Asia? Istanbul is uniquely positioned on both the European and Asian continents, straddling the Bosphorus Strait.
2. Can you walk from Europe to Asia in Istanbul? It is not possible to walk directly between the continents, but you can easily travel between them using various modes of transportation, such as the Marmaray, ferries, and the Metrobus.
3. What is the bridge that connects Asia to Europe in Istanbul, Turkey? The Bosphorus Bridge, also known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, is one of the three suspension bridges connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
4. How can I pay for public transportation in Istanbul? The Istanbulkart is a rechargeable smart card that can be used for all public transportation services in Istanbul, including buses, trams, metros, ferries, and the Marmaray. You can purchase and recharge the card at kiosks located near transportation hubs.

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